Vice President Joe Biden met with Australia's prime minister and other leaders on Tuesday, as he reasserted America's push to boost its presence in the Asia-Pacific region and maintain its status as a "Pacific power."

Eight days after Australia's general election ended in uncertainty, the prime minister finally claimed victory Sunday for his conservative coalition, bringing an end to the country's political paralysis -- at least for the moment.

SYDNEY, AFP
Multi-millionaire former banker and lawyer Malcolm Turnbull has clung to power in Australia, but the tech-savvy grandfather dubbed "Mr Harbourside Mansion" won only a begrudging victory with voters.

Australia's government appeared increasing likely to retain power after a knife-edge election, with a third independent lawmaker on Friday offering support to the ruling coalition if it falls short of a majority.